The Amazing Health Benefits of Citrus

July 6, 2017

Citrus fruits, which include lemons, grapefruits and oranges, aren’t just tasty and colorful: they are good for you too! Here are some of the amazing health benefits of citrus – including some that you may not know about:

What are Citrus Fruits?

Citrus is a genus of flowering trees and shrubs. Their fruits include favorites like oranges and limes, but they include more rare fruits like the Australian finger lime, tangelos, and Mayer lemons (which are actually a cross between a regular lemon and a tangerine). Believed to originate in Asia, all citrus trees thrive in the tropics and subtropics, and can live to be hundreds of years old.

Health Benefits of Citrus

As if their tart, refreshing taste isn't enough, here are a few great health reasons to enjoy eating and drinking citrus fruits:

Boost Weight Loss

If you are trying to lose weight, eating raw citrus can help you get there. These fruits are nutrient-packed, but unlike many other fruits, are relatively low in sugar and calories. They are also a rich source of fiber, helping with digestion and making you feel fuller longer. One recent study found that eating grapefruit in the morning can be especially beneficial to losing weight.

Calm Colds

Thanks to loads of vitamin C and a high moisture content, eating or drinking lots of citrus is proven to give your immune system a boost. This helps ease cold symptoms, and even shortens the time you’re sick.

Prevent Cancer

Citrus, like many other fruits, are packed with antioxidants – special compounds that attack cancer-causing free radicals. The antioxidants unique to citrus are called limonoids, which may help prevent colon, lung, breast, skin and stomach cancer.

Boost Heart Health

One lesser-known benefit of eating citrus is heart health. Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit and lemons are rich in a flavonoid called hesperidin, a special compound that helps boost the “good” HDL cholesterol and lowers the “bad” LDL cholesterol. This flavonoid is so effective, that recent studies show that eating citrus fruits can help lower blood pressure.

As will most fruits, the health benefits of citrus are best when the fruit is fresh and unpasteurized. Here on Maui, we get to enjoy the most delicious, local, raw and organic citrus fruits and juices. That’s why we include many citruses in our fresh Valley Isle Kombucha. Which one is your favorite?